The Hip Hop Nutcracker captivates with an explosion of rhythmic dance and a nostalgic appearance from rap legend Kurtis Blow.
Love conquers all. The timeless mantra resonated throughout the regal three-level San Diego Civic Theatre on Thursday (Nov. 7) night. Lines filled with executive types, families and hipsters stretched along the theatre entry.
As the time approached 7:30 P.M., people excitedly fluttered to their seats with exuberant anticipation. The night’s opening soundtrack would be orchestrated by DJ Boo, who delivered all of the best hip hop songs from his turn table, while lights danced behind him on the stage.
A graffiti styled logo brazenly graced the backdrop on the stage with the words “Hip Hop Nutcracker”. Just to the left of the stage, a prop of a street lamp stood shining a spotlight, sparking random conversation among the audience as to what exactly would come of it.
The lights dimmed in the theatre and suddenly, like an angel from hip hop heaven, Kurtis Blow appeared. The first rapper to secure a major record deal floated onto the stage dawning an all white outfit with a blinged out hat and sparkling bow.
The ultimate MC, Kurtis Blow ignited the start of the party with an all too nostalgic classic song, “Christmas Rappin'”. Then, just when the audience thought he was done, he opened the pandora box of all the greatest classic hip hop hits, including Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message” and Naughty By Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray”.
Fans of the culture swayed to the pulsating bass of each song. Kurtis Blow smoothly transitioned from song to song, capping the mini concert with a New Year’s Eve countdown befitting of a televised New York celebration. If there was any way to introduce The Hip Hop Nutcracker, this was the way to do it.
What followed was an infectious journey of rhythmic explosions of dance to the great Tchaikovsky. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, the classic tale of good versus evil and love versus heartbreak is cleverly told through popular hip hop moves, breakdance and ballet.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a multi-generational story of transcendental love that takes place in the vibrant city of New York. Maria-Clara, played by the enchanting Ann-Sylvia Clark, bedazzled the audience as she gracefully moved across the stage in her jeweled pants. Her story is universal, with her overprotective parents, played by Nubian Nene and Knin Micah Abbrey, on her heels about her extracurricular activities.
By the time the audience was introduced to The Nutcracker, a beautiful ensemble of dancers adorned with black and white outfits had shredded the stage with brilliantly structured performances.
The Drosselmeyer, charismatically played by the talented Lisa “LBoogie” Bauford, intertwines the two different love stories of the parents and their daughter, Maria-Clara, in two acts.
The first act finds Maria-Clara in trouble when she encounters the Mouse King (Randi “Rascal” Freitas) and the Mouse Crew. In an attempt to save Maria-Clara, The Nutcracker proceeds to struggle with the Mouse King, only to lose the first go around.
With one touch from the Drosselmeyer, The Nutcracker taps into his inner strength to try one more time to defeat the Mouse King. With the help of some magical dancing shoes, he is able to accomplish his goal. The stoic gesture wins Maria-Clara’s heart, but she is still unsettled about the state of her parents’ relationship. The second act expounds upon the beginning of the parents’ relationship.
The impeccable violinist Jarvis L. Benson provided an added bonus capsulizing each act with a fusion of traditional classical violin and contemporary hip hop violin. His triumphant solo at the end of the production left the audience begging for more.
The amount of vision it takes to align the personality of hip hop dance with the musical charm of Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers, Dance of the Reed Pipes and The Magic Castle On Candy Mountain is not an easy feat. Visually striking and audibly pleasing, The Hip Hop Nutcracker leaves the viewer with a magical aura of inspiration. The message is clear, love truly conquers all.
Adapted by Mike Fitelson from Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s version, The Hip Hop Nutcracker delivered beyond expectations. Intriguing and sometimes comedic storylines not only matched the theatrical storytelling of the classic Nutcracker, but also added the element of cultural edge to a timeless story forever impressed on the hearts of its viewers.
The production was produced by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, John Schreiber, David Rodriguez, Julia Kraus and Eva Price.
Upcoming tour dates include San Luis Obispo (11/10), Portland (11/12-11/13), Tacoma (11/15), Seattle (11/16-11/17) and Oakland (11/19). For more ticket information, proceed to the website HERE.
